There was a strong reaction to Colin Farrell’s appearance on the Late Late Show

Stephen Porzio

While advocating for people living with epidermolysis bullosa, the actor called the government’s lack of support for those with the condition ‘inhumane’.

Many have taken to social media to praise Colin Farrell and his long-time friend Emma Fogarty following their appearance on last night’s episode of The Late Late Show.

Emma is Ireland’s longest-surviving person battling the most severe type of agonising skin condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB), which is also known as butterfly skin.

Describing the condition on the programme, the 40-year-old said: “It means that my skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly basically, so if I bumped off you, it’ll literally tear off and blister.

“I have open wounds similar to third degree burns over 80% of my body.”

Colin and Emma are now raising funds for the charity Debra Ireland, which is dedicated to transforming the lives of people living with EB.

As part of this, the Oscar-nominee will complete the Dublin Marathon on 27 October – with Emma joining him in a wheelchair for its final 4km.

Speaking about why he is taking part in the fundraising campaign, The Penguin star criticised the Irish Government for not adequately looking after people with the skin condition.

He said: “There’s no funding. It’s actually inhumane on the part of the government, to be honest with you.

“I get the ridiculousness of Mr. Hollywood, moneybags Farrell, coming on and asking for money. That’s not lost on me.

“But the government has a responsibility to the people of Ireland to look after the people of Ireland to the best of their ability, to cut corners where the people are going to suffer the least and to put the money where people are going to be given the most support and the most help where they’re needed.

“There’s only 300 people in this country that live with the cruelty of the condition that is epidermolysis bullosa. Emma is one of seven people that lives with the most severe version of it. There’s three versions of this condition.

“She’s only the third person to reach 40. And they have been asking, Debra has been asking for three years for €695,000 from the government.”

“And they put their money into – we all know, it’s in the papers, it’s on the news – there’s cell phone packages.”

Colin added: “I have a kid. I know what it’s like with the cell phone thing. I want them off the cell phone. Cell phones should be staying at home… But that’s not the point.

“Look, €695,000 for the 300 people – it’s a drop in the ocean. It’s not even a bit of vapour that rises from that ocean. It’s nothing.

“The goal here is ideally we’ll get 400 grand to offer a little bit of service and a little bit of support and that we can have nurses and people who are trained to take care of bandage changes.

“Emma goes through a whole bandage change four times a week, her whole body, like its madness.”

As for what its like living day-to-day with EB, Emma told host Patrick Kielty: “[It’s] hard. And that’s an understatement… Today for an example, I had a full bandage change, four hours.

“The pain is excruciating and that’s the thing, the pain is constant. Like sitting here now, I’m in agony.

“So, bandages then today took four hours. With a lot of pain medication from paracetamol to ketamine. And that just takes the edge off.”

Emma also revealed that her parents were told by doctors when she was born that she would not survive a week and it would be “better off” if she didn’t.

While acknowledging that her life has been “really difficult” with “no break” to the constant pain, she told Kielty that she would love to say “in your face” to those doctors.

“Doctors are great, but they’re not always right,” she explained.

Many viewers took to Twitter to praise Emma for her strength and Colin for his advocacy.

Others agreed with Colin that the government should be prioritising people people living with health conditions such as Emma’s.

You can read some of these reactions below. For more information about the work of Debra Ireland and its latest fundraising campaign, visit the charity’s website right here.

Emma is an amazing woman. Even through her pain her sense of humour comes through. Colin is one of the good guys. #latelate
— Bernie Twomey (@MBTwomey) October 18, 2024

Colin Farrell is a national treasure .. he needs to be protected at all costs … and Emma … you are remarkable. A fantastic young woman #debra #latelate
— Elaine Walsh (@mabaker_moz) October 18, 2024

Ah Colin, you're just class! Maith thú fhéin.

And as for Emma…wow!! What a woman. Just amazing 🤩

€695k is all @debraireland are looking for. How can the Irish Gov prioritise gimmicks like phone pouches over people's quality of life like this? #latelate
— Siubhán O'Connor (@siubhanoc) October 18, 2024

I've seen Emma interviewed before and each time I'm in absolute awe of her. Wishing her nothing but the best. She is a hero.
Best of luck to her and Colin in the marathon 💪🏻#LateLate
— Eimear (@MissEims) October 18, 2024

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